Tue Mar 11 16:20:13 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Stays Fine on PVR INOX for Excessive Movie Ads

**Bengaluru, March 11, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court has stayed a ₹1 lakh fine imposed on PVR INOX multiplex by the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The commission had levied the fine for allegedly playing 25 minutes of commercials before a movie screening, delaying the film’s start time.

The ruling stems from a complaint filed by Abhishek M.R., who argued that the excessive advertisements constituted an unfair trade practice. The commission agreed, citing Ministry of Information and Broadcasting guidelines that limit public service announcements to 10 minutes. They also ordered PVR INOX to print the actual movie start time on tickets.

However, the High Court deemed the commission’s actions beyond its jurisdiction. Justice M. Nagaprasanna stated that the commission’s order was a “blatant violation” and likened its approach to a public interest litigation, exceeding its consumer dispute mandate. The court noted that the commission overstepped its authority by dictating how movie screenings should be run and by classifying advertisement screenings as an unfair trade practice.

Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Uday Holla, representing the petitioners (Multiplex Association of India and PVR INOX shareholder Santanu Pai), argued that the commission’s decision had created a national issue, leading to numerous similar litigations against theaters. They highlighted that multiplex business models are protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, referencing a Supreme Court judgment that overturned a similar ruling regarding audience food and beverage policies. The High Court’s stay order effectively suspends the fine and the commission’s directives pending further legal proceedings.

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